From a Christmas tree treehouse to making snow angels on the kitchen countertop, this list rounds up all the funniest and coolest elf on the shelf ideas for Christmastime 2024. Let’s kickstart our list with one that is not only extremely cool… but also mess free and extremely low effort too as well as perfect for the first day of December (or whenever your elf starts making appearances)!
1. Return Of The Elf On The Shelf
This is such a simple and smart way to kickstart your elf on the shelf mornings in December. If you are looking for a relatively simple elf on the shelf idea for December 1st or the first day you start your elf on the shelf, this is a great choice.
2. Christmas Tree Treehouse
One of our favourite elf on the shelf ideas for sure! This is a quite intricate idea to pull off but is so worth it if you are good at crafts.
3. Toilet Paper Igloo
Such an easy and cool idea that you are sure to remember for years to come!
4. Gummy Bear Rock Climbing Wall
A slightly more time consuming idea but once again, one that is really worth the time. This is such a cool idea that is sure to impress!
5. #ElfieSelfie
So cool and something that is really worth while setting up. You can have a whole photoshoot this idea and really make it your own with as many props for the elves as you want!
6. Snow Angels
This is a really cute idea that you can put together last minute. You’ve probably seen this idea done a lot but it really does never disappoint!
7. Spa Day
Such a fun and unique idea! This is another great idea that you can make your own and is perfect for playing with for the rest of the day too.
8. Piñata
Simply buy a mini piñata decoration, get a small ribbon and a straw for the elf and you have a ready-to-go elf on the shelf idea!
9. Staircase Sledging
If you have a staircase, this is essentially a must do. This idea just encapsulates winter and is so easy to setup!
10. Polaroid Photoshoot
If you have an INSTAX camera or want to print some photos off, this is a really great idea. You can take a photoshoot of your elf up to no good or perhaps even use photos of your elf’s shenanigans from previous mornings.
11. Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
This is such a great idea that will provide your little one with a fun activity too! Definitely one of our favourite elf on the shelf ideas on this list! 👀✨
12. Jenga
Another great simple idea – but bonus… this one can be eaten too!
13. Tabletop Skiing
All you need for this idea is some popsicles and marshmallows to get your elf ready for skiing. Such a cool idea!
14. Morning Hot Chocolate
Who wouldn’t want a morning hot chocolate gifted to them by their elf on the shelf? This is such a sweet surprise that is sure to be enjoyed!
15. Fridge Sleepover
This is probably one of the easiest elf on the shelf ideas you’ll find and is one that is sure to be a fun surprise upon opening the fridge.
16. Funky Breakfast
Have your elf prepare a somewhat unusual breakfast for a day – such a fun idea!
17. Have Your Elf Orchestrate A Choir
If you like to go above and beyond, you are sure to love setting up this idea. So cool and Christmassy!
18. Candy Cane Jail
The perfect idea for a follow up day to the elf really causing a lot of mischief the day before! You can have a lot of fun creating the jail and can even have the elf breaking out of jail the following day.
19. Caught By Spider-Man
This sure to excite Spider-Man fans and is a great way to incorporate other toys into elf and the shelf too!
20. Have Your Elf Working Out
The marshmallow weights are truly a stroke of genius and this is just such a fun idea for both setting up as well as seeing in the morning.
21. Camping
This is another favourite on this list and is just so aesthetically pleasing. Ideas like this are perfect as you won’t have to buy anything new and can use things you have around the house to set up the scene!
22. Wrapped Up Underneath The Tree
Have your elf camouflage as another present under the tree and wait for it to be found. This is a really simple but also really fun elf on the shelf idea that won’t disappoint!
23. Floor Is Lava
Such a cool and creative idea that will be such a great surprise for before brushing teeth in the morning!
24. Cabinet Climbing
Yes, this idea is done a lot… but is one that truly does never disappoint!
25. Tree Zipline
Such a fun idea! Just be sure to be careful when setting it up that your tree is secure.
26. Treasure Hunt
This idea doubles as both a fun Christmas activity and an elf on the shelf idea! Simply hide eight gold coins or sweets and leave a not by your elf – easy!
27. Give Your Elf A Beach Vacay
This idea will require a little more effort but is one that is sure to be remembered for years to come! Also provides a really great setup for playing.
28. Melted Snowman
Such a cool idea that you can have a lot of fun setting up!
29. Ready To Bake
If you are planning on baking during the holidays, this is a really fun way to kickstart the fun!
30. Hot Air Balloon Special Delivery
Ok, this idea requires a little more commitment for sure but once you have the hot air balloon setup you can really make use of it on multiple days. The North Pole Air Express detail on the hot air balloon just makes this elf on the shelf idea all the more Christmassy! 🎄✨
31. Marshmallow Golf
From the candy cane golf club to the mini mallow golf balls, this is such a festive idea that will definitely not disappoint!
32. Thanksgiving Parade Float
Probably one of the most tricky to set up ideas on this list, but possibly also the most exciting one! This is sure to excite and is an idea you can make your own using other toys in your house to put in the other cars carrying the float.
33. Couch Sledging
Super simple and easy to set up! Perfect for when you need to last minute set up your elf on the shelf’s morning shenanigans.
34. Stealing Sweets
Perhaps one of the most mischievous shenanigans for your elf to do on this list, this is sure to get a few laughs and is also relatively simple to setup!
35. Frozen
This one will take a little preparation but is just so cool and is a must-do idea if you have an Elsa toy lying around the house!
36. Elf Bowling
Such a unique and creative idea! This one will require some craft skills but is really worth the time investment as it also provides a really great scene to play with during Christmastime.
Hope you liked our elf on the shelf ideas and have found some inspiration for what shenanigans your elf can get up to this December. Thanks for reading! 🙂
